I have written before of the 2 parables of Jesus related to weddings and banquets; one in Luke 14 (told prior to passion week) and one in Matthew 22 (told during passion week). In each of those parables, Jesus talked of two groups of invitees; the friends and connections of the king (Jews) and the unrelated masses (Gentiles). The results of the invitation concluded similarly in both passages; “So the servants went out into the streets and gathered all the people they could find, the bad as well as the good, and the wedding hall was filled with guests.”[i] However, Jesus added a significant conclusion in Matthew’s account. He said, “But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. He asked, ‘How did you get in here without wedding clothes, friend?’ The man was speechless. Then the king…
2022 November
Moses answered, “What if they do not believe me or listen to me …” Then the Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?” (Exodus 2:1-2 NIV). We all know how Moses resisted the call God had on his life. In the previous chapter of Exodus, God had said two things relevant to that calling. In 2:8 He said, “ I have come down to rescue them…” In 2:10 He concluded that statement by saying, “So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.” When God calls us to something, we don’t get a ticket to sit in the bleachers and watch Him do that thing. In the 14th chapter of Exodus, as the multitude approached the Red Sea with the furious Egyptians closing fast from behind, it seems Moses had become more confident in his presentation skills. So he…
I regret being too selfish as a young man to have served in the military. Selective service ended just before I came of draft age and I didn’t want the authority of peacetime military structure in my life. While that poor decision was redeemed by other things (especially the girl I met who remains my wife), I did miss something of value. I encourage any young person to seriously consider service in the military. I am honored that 2 of our sons and 1 son-in-law made that choice. This week we honored those who did serve. On Saturday the 12th, we had the opportunity to hear from 14 veterans who serve their churches as security leaders and operators. I wanted to know what some of the values were that they developed in the military that continue to influence the way they conduct themselves as responsible defenders. Following are some of…